Large numbers can be a large problem. Out of counting grows questions regarding big numbers. "How big is big?". Large is a relative term, and one that many students have not fully grasped when they have reached middle school or high school. Here are some ideas to help get you thinking about strategies that can be used to teach the idea of large numbers:
Number Line In either a middle school or high school classroom, the use of a number line can be instrumental in helping students understand properties of numbers. Provide students with an assortment of numbers. Include numbers closer to zero and closer to 100, 1000, 1000000, and so forth. Have students arrange numbers on the number line. Pose questions about position on the number line and ask the question "Is there a bigger number than...". In a high school setting, you may ask students to write and explain how the number line models numbers. Have students discuss how far the number line extends in the positive direction and negative direction. Here's a link to get you started.
Real, Natural, and Other Classification Systems Best used in a high school setting, discuss the notion of real numbers, natural numbers and rational numbers. After briefly introducing students to each system, have them justify why no one type of number is bigger than another. Hold a class discussion regarding the matters.
Large numbers can be a large problem. Out of counting grows questions regarding big numbers. "How big is big?". Large is a relative term, and one that many students have not fully grasped when they have reached middle school or high school. Here are some ideas to help get you thinking about strategies that can be used to teach the idea of large numbers:
Number Line
In either a middle school or high school classroom, the use of a number line can be instrumental in helping students understand properties of numbers. Provide students with an assortment of numbers. Include numbers closer to zero and closer to 100, 1000, 1000000, and so forth. Have students arrange numbers on the number line. Pose questions about position on the number line and ask the question "Is there a bigger number than...". In a high school setting, you may ask students to write and explain how the number line models numbers. Have students discuss how far the number line extends in the positive direction and negative direction. Here's a link to get you started.
Real, Natural, and Other Classification Systems
Best used in a high school setting, discuss the notion of real numbers, natural numbers and rational numbers. After briefly introducing students to each system, have them justify why no one type of number is bigger than another. Hold a class discussion regarding the matters.